Samsung Reportedly Begins Development for Galaxy S26 Series, Signaling a Major Software Strategy Shift
Samsung is expected to launch the Galaxy S26 series with One UI 8.5, and reports suggest that firmware development is already underway. If confirmed, this marks a quiet yet significant transformation in Samsung’s software rollout approach
One UI 8.5 Rumored as Mid-Cycle Update Based on Android 16, Spotted in One UI 7 Hidden Menu
One UI 8.5 has been making headlines for months as the expected follow-up to One UI 8.0. Built on Android 16, this mid-cycle update appears increasingly likely after being discovered in a hidden menu within One UI 7.
According to two reliable Samsung tipsters, firmware development for the upcoming Galaxy S26 series is now underway. Notably, the sources confirmed that the version currently in development for the new flagship lineup
Samsung is expected to expand features beyond the Galaxy S26 series. While the Galaxy S25 lineup is likely to receive most of the new enhancements, devices such as the Galaxy S24, S23, and even S22 series may also benefit from selected firmware update
Why One UI 8.5 Marks a Subtle Yet Powerful Shift in Samsung’s Software Evolution
One UI 8.5 is expected to be a substantial upgrade over One UI 8.0. Unlike the previous cycle, where Samsung skipped mid-cycle releases like One UI 7.1 and 7.1.1 after One UI 6.1 and 6.1.1, this upcoming version signals a return to more frequent feature-packed updates.
Well, Samsung’s likely move to debut the x.5 version isn’t surprising for enthusiasts. Until the One UI 2, Samsung used to release x.1 and x.5 versions. With the One UI 3, the company replaced the x.5 version with a more minor x.1.1 iteration
One UI 8.5 is shaping up to be more than just a minor refresh — it’s likely to deliver meaningful upgrades. With Android 16 arriving early for Samsung devices, this mid-cycle release will act as a strategic bridge in the company’s typical OS update timeline.
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